Thinking about getting a boa

[Megg]

While my BCI was growing up, once he got a decent size, I notice in old videos I had a bit of trouble maneuvering him, but after a year or two of getting used to his size, I can now pick him up with ease. I can easily pick him up with one arm and hold him above my head. He's very malleable to directions, and will loosen his grip if I rub my finger down his side in between him and me. You should be able to handle your Nic extremely easily! They stay 3'-5'.

He's not aggressive in the least, and he's bitten me twice outside of feeding time when I was gullible enough to believe they needed to be fed in a separate container. He's never done much damage beyond invisible scratches when he's bitten me, and the last bite he gave me was a few weeks ago while he was in shed. I bothered him a little too much with his sensitive skin, and he lashed out. He didn't leave a mark whatsoever although there was a teeny bit of blood but he hit me right on the joint of my thumb where a tendon was and boy did it hurt. Didn't even leave a bruise, though, and he's roughly 6.5' now.

Enclosure size depends on the snake's length, a 4'x2' is the absolute minimum you want to house a 6' boa in imo, but I feel it's a rather tight squeeze and would rather upgrade to a 6'x2'. One long side and one short side should be equal to or greater than the length of your boa. For snakes under 3'-4' I suggest supplying much more room than that, and make one long side as long as or longer than the snake. I usually put my babies in tubs big enough to hold them until they're 3.5'-4' from the get-go and then upgrade them to 4'x2's when they reach 3'-4'.

Thanks so much for all the info! They said he's just under 2 foot right now so I figured a tub for now, and eventually I'd upgrade to PVC. Any recommendations on companies? I keep hearing boaphile, and obviously animal plastics.
I had planned to get a Colombian, but I got to handle a 4 foot female at a local shop and decided I wasn't quite ready for the size and space commitment of an Colombian. Hopefully it's in my future!


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[CloudtheBoa]

I haven't used any PVC yet but I did just put in an order for a few Animal Plastics cages! I decided not to go with Boaphile because although their quality seems good I haven't heard much good on the customer service front and apparently it takes much longer for Boaphile send out their products. I'd talk with people who have dealt with them though as that's just hear say on my part! I just wanted to be cautious with the amount of money I'm spending on these.

Yeah just jumping into the bigger snakes when you're not used to it can be daunting, but you grow with them if you raise a baby, it takes them several years to get to a big size, and slow grown a 4' boa could still be 3 years old.


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[Megg]

I haven't used any PVC yet but I did just put in an order for a few Animal Plastics cages! I decided not to go with Boaphile because although their quality seems good I haven't heard much good on the customer service front and apparently it takes much longer for Boaphile send out their products. I'd talk with people who have dealt with them though as that's just hear say on my part! I just wanted to be cautious with the amount of money I'm spending on these.

Yeah just jumping into the bigger snakes when you're not used to it can be daunting, but you grow with them if you raise a baby, it takes them several years to get to a big size, and slow grown a 4' boa could still be 3 years old.


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I've heard the same thing about boaphile so I've been a little iffy about ordering from them. You'll have to let me know how you like the ap cages. They've always been at the top of my list for when I buy one.


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[Gio]

Another cage option is Pro-Line from Constrictors NW.

I have 3 of them and all in different sizes.

The plastic used is the best out there IMO. HDPE plastic.





Your boa will more than likely display some abroad tendencies. The Central American types usually have a knack for climbing.

If you want to ventrally set up a nice display cage, get at least 18" of ceiling.

Boaphile caging is decent, and aesthetically nice looking on the outside. The 421D (common model) is only 11" tall. The 422D is 17" and a lot more expensive.

AP has nice cages. I'd probably have one if I was not so happy with my Prolines.

[Megg]

Another cage option is Pro-Line from Constrictors NW.

I have 3 of them and all in different sizes.

The plastic used is the best out there IMO. HDPE plastic.





Your boa will more than likely display some abroad tendencies. The Central American types usually have a knack for climbing.

If you want to ventrally set up a nice display cage, get at least 18" of ceiling.

Boaphile caging is decent, and aesthetically nice looking on the outside. The 421D (common model) is only 11" tall. The 422D is 17" and a lot more expensive.

AP has nice cages. I'd probably have one if I was not so happy with my Prolines.

Thanks, I'll have to look into them! I was hoping to get a little bit of height so he'd have some room to climb if he wants.


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[frostysBP]

And If your handy and have some tool the sell the hdpe plastic at menards cheapthis is one I made 4x2x16 total cost with sliding glass doors was 110$

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[GoingPostal]

I can chime in on the boaphile since that's what I own, his turnaround is 3-4 months and don't bother trying to contact him by email but he's quick to answer or return calls and very helpful on the phone. Great quality cages although I feel you can't really go wrong with any of the major cage makers if you want plastic, just depends on what options you are looking for. My only boaphile downside is I don't care for his lighting fixtures and would recommend putting in your own leds.

[Megg]

Thanks to frosty and going postal! I'm not handy, but maybe I can get someone to help me if I decide to attempt a build.


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[Gio]

Thanks to frosty and going postal! I'm not handy, but maybe I can get someone to help me if I decide to attempt a build.


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If you don't, Postal is correct in saying the "Big" cage makers are all pretty good.

I prefer ordering and getting my stuff with some, but little effort put in on my part.

You'll do fine no matter what you decide.

[frostysBP]

I plan on doing a step by step in a few weeks when I get the time to build more...it will be posted on this forum for sure

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